Protests: Players to watch

May 13, 2012

Here are some of the players to watch for in the NATO demonstrations.

Occupy: A loose-knit network of groups across the country inspired by the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations against government bank bailouts and the behavior of trading firms during the economic recession. The groups are mainly concerned with government policies and corporate practices they think exacerbate a growing divide between the working classes and economic elite.

National Nurses United: A nursing union concerned with economic fairness issues and access to health care. It advocates placing a transaction tax on Wall Street trades to help fund social and health care programs. The group plans a major rally in Daley Plaza on May 18.

Coalition Against NATO/G-8 War & Poverty Agenda: A Chicago group that coalesced around activist Andy Thayer to protest a range of economic and military issues after President Barack Obama's original announcement that both NATO and G-8 would be held in Chicago. CAN/G-8, as it's known, holds a permit for a march and Grant Park rally on May 20, the first day of the NATO summit. Thayer is a longtime Chicago activist who has been vocal in anti-war and gay rights causes, as well as the Occupy movement.

United National Antiwar Committee: An anti-war group that holds all-day demonstration permits for Federal Plaza on Tuesday and Saturday, the group is a national affiliation of religious and human rights groups advocating an agenda that is "against war, for jobs, health care, housing and education," according to the permit application they filed with the government for their demonstrations.

Iraq Veterans Against the War: A New York-based group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who oppose the U.S. government's policy of ongoing intervention in both countries. They call for a complete withdrawal from Iraq and increased benefits for returning veterans, especially better mental health care. The group held a permit for a May 20 march, which has since been combined with CAN/G-8's march.

Anarchists: An amorphous category of protesters who oppose all aspects of government authority. They have frequently been blamed for damaging property and inciting violence during demonstrations using "black bloc" methods — dressing in black clothing, hoods and bandannas that cover their faces while moving in a group. They sometimes blend into large crowds of peaceful protesters in an attempt to conceal their identities.